Maximum Power Equivalent: A Unification of Thévenin and Norton Equivalents

Abstract

The Maximum Power equivalent is presented. This equivalent combines the Thévenin and Norton equivalents to form a network that exhibits facilitates in finding the maximum power transfer condition for linear and nonlinear loads. A reflection coefficient ρ, analogous to that found in other areas, is introduced, which allows the maximum transfer condition to be defined when it equals zero. The detailed method for obtaining the maximum power equivalent is presented, and examples for finding the maximum transfer condition for linear and nonlinear loads are included.